Motorcycle accidents are common in Illinois, and they often result in severe injuries or even death. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 2,516 motorcycle crashes in 2020, which resulted in 139 fatalities and 2,092 injuries. This blog post will examine the causes of motorcycle accidents in Illinois, the state's motorcycle laws, and what to do if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois There are various causes of motorcycle accidents in Illinois, some of which are listed below:

1. Distracted driving - This is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Illinois. When drivers are distracted, they may not see a motorcyclist, which can lead to a collision.

2. Speeding - When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to other vehicles on the road. This can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists who are more vulnerable on the road.

3. Lane splitting - Lane splitting is illegal in Illinois, but some motorcyclists still do it. This involves riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, which can be very dangerous.

4. Driving under the influence - When drivers operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may have impaired judgment and reaction time, which can lead to a collision.

Illinois Motorcycle Laws Illinois has several laws that govern the operation of motorcycles on its roads. These laws include:

1. Helmet law - Illinois requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding.

2. Eye protection - Illinois law requires all motorcyclists to wear eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield.

3. Passenger restrictions - If a motorcyclist wants to carry a passenger, the motorcycle must have a passenger seat and footrest.

4. Insurance requirements - Motorcyclists in Illinois are required to carry liability insurance that covers at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person, and $20,000 for property damage.

What to Do If You are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, you should take the following steps:

1. Call for help - If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.

2. Exchange information - Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident.

3. Gather evidence - Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and injuries.

4. Seek medical attention - Even if you feel fine, it's important to seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

5. Contact an attorney - Consider contacting an attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents to help you navigate the legal process.

Conclusion Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent them. Following the laws and guidelines outlined in this blog post can help motorcyclists stay safe on the road. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, be sure to follow the proper steps to protect yourself legally and medically and contact an attorney as soon as possible.